Pelicans preseason schedule presents formidable tests for new look roster
The regular season rapidly approaching. With the NBA Draft over and free agency nearing its conclusion, organizations are preparing for training camps with their teams. But before the regular season can start, teams will have to play a relatively light preseason schedule. Typically, many teams use the games as an opportunity to regain in-game shape, performance, and chemistry, while experimenting with rotations. But for New Orleans, this preseason is crucial to next season's success.
The Pelicans have had major changes on their roster this offseason, completing revamping their frontcourt and a trade for Dejounte Murray. Assuming Brandon Ingram remains on the roster, New Orleans will sport one of the league's best 5-man starting lineups next season. The Pelicans have depth, they've improved many of their weaknesses, and they want to play fast and space the floor for Zion Williamson. But, the preseason will be this team's first in-game action together, and they need it.
Head coach Willie Green will have his hands full figuring out a rotation after just four preseason games, but giving his core group of players more playing time together than usual could go a long way in establishing success and chemistry early in the season. The other important factor in preseason will be distributing minutes to their young frontcourt trio of Yves Missi, Karlo Matkovic, and Trey Jemison, making sure veteran Daniel Theis chips in at center.
This fall, New Orleans will look to establish that rhythm when they begin their preseason, 'tune-up' games in late October. With three games on the road and three games facing play-in (or better) opponents from last season, the Pelicans can get a read on their roster quickly.
New Orleans Pelicans full 2024 Preseason schedule
Date | Opponent | Time (all CT) |
---|---|---|
Oct. 7 | vs. Orlando Magic | 12:30 p.m. |
Oct. 11 | @ Orlando Magic | 6:00 p.m. |
Oct. 13 | @ Miami Heat | 2:30 p.m. |
Oct. 15 | @ Houston Rockets | 7:00 p.m. |
The Pelicans will start their preseason off with straight contests against the Paolo Banchero-led Orlando Magic. Following both Orlando games, New Orleans will get a taste of rookie big man Kel'el Ware in Miami, before facing off with the Houston Rockets and rookie Reed Sheppard, who was the third pick in this year's draft.
Where can you buy Pelicans' home preseason tickets?
Single-game tickets and group plans for the preseason-opener versus Orlando are on sale now. Fans can visit Seat Geek or the NBA's official website. Lastly, fans can also call the Pelicans ticket office at 504-593-4999. With just one home preseason game, the Pelicans could have a packed house on October 7 for their opening game of the preseason.
Additionally, Pelicans' season tickets, partial season plans, and group plans for the 2024-25 campaign are also now on sale. For more information, fans can visit the team's page through the NBA website or call the Pelicans ticket office at 504-593-4999 to request additional details.
Where can you listen to the Pelicans?
All Pelicans' games can be found with Audacy's WWL (WWL-AM/FM), who recently reached a new agreement with the team for radio broadcast. WWL AM870/FM 105.3 is the home for all Pelicans content, including preseason games for the upcoming season.